"Pakistan carried out a successful test fire of its indigenously developed short-range surface to surface ballistic missile Hatf III Ghaznavi," an official military statement said.

Islamabad notified neighbouring countries ahead of the tests, and more tests would be conducted in coming days, it said.

The test was conducted at 8:42 am (0342 GMT), spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan told AFP. He would not reveal the location.

The missile test is Pakistan's second this year but the first since a peace process was initiated between Islamabad and New Delhi in April. The process has been floundering in recent weeks with both sides accusing each other of hampering efforts to mend ties.

The military, however, said the timing of the test reflects Pakistan's "determination not to engage in a tit-for-tat syndrome to other tests in the region."

The test is the second of the Ghaznavi, which has a range of 290 kilometers (180 miles).

The Ghaznavi is capable of carrying "all types of warheads accurately," the statement said.

"The test was part of a series of tests to be conducted in the next few days to validate the design parameters of various missile systems," it said.

"Pakistan will maintain the pace of its own missile development program and conduct tests as per its technical needs."

India has conducted several missile tests this year but Pakistan has refrained from immediately launching its own tests in response.

Last year the rival neighbours engaged in a series of tit-for-tat tests as a million of their troops faced off across their border on the brink of war.

Pakistan last tested a missile on March 26, when it fired the short-range Abdali (Hatf II) missile on the same day as India launched its Pirthivi missile.

The military said Friday's "second successful test fire of the indigenously developed Ghaznavi missile system bears testimony to the professional excellence of Pakistani scientists and engineers."

President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali "have congratulated the officers and men on their outstanding success."

After conducting nuclear tests in May 1998 India and Pakistan launched missile development programs leading to a series of tests of long, medium and short range projectiles.

The United States and other major powers have been concerned over missile tests by the neighbours, who have fought three wars since the subcontinent was divided on independence from Britain in 1947.

A feared fourth war last year was averted by intense US-led international efforts that brought about a reciprocal pull back of troops from their common border after a tense 10-month standoff.

The two countries routinely inform each other in advance of tests in accordance with a memorandum of understanding signed in February 1991.

SPACE.WIRE